Fifers help with Covid-19 fight in Uganda

Led by clinicians from the University of St Andrews and NHS Fife, the joint Scottish-Ugandan team has developed a series of informative adverts and programmes for TV and radio about Covid-19.

The adverts, which will be broadcast on national media channels, will encourage people to follow proven, scientific advice in a bid to stop the virus spiralling out of control in Uganda.

Featuring direct contributions from local infectious disease experts, doctors and researchers in Kampala currently involved in the fight against Covid-19, the TV and radio broadcasts will encourage people to follow evidence-based infection prevention measures.

Uganda is an African country with a strong record in detecting and managing infectious disease outbreaks. However, the scale of the current Covid-19 outbreak in the era of 24-hour communication networks presents new challenges to ensure that safe public health messages are not overpowered by conspiracy theories and misinformation. Poor and marginalised sections of society with lower health literacy may be particularly vulnerable. It is hoped that distribution of clear messages by healthcare delivery and research leaders will bust myths around the virus and inform the public of the correct advice in relation to hygiene and social distancing.

The team of clinicians and experts from Scotland are currently involved in projects in Uganda as part of the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

Dr Derek Sloan, senior lecturer at the School of Medicine, University of St Andrews and consultant in infectious diseases for NHS Fife, said: “We have seen the damage which can be caused by confusion around Covid-19, how it is spread and how to combat this novel virus, and we want to help tackle the problem.

“Our aim is to better inform the public about their vital role in the fight against Covid-19.”